Modor DR-2 drum machine

The Modor DR-2 is a six-instrument digital DSP drum synthesiser with a 128-step sequencer that merges the immediacy of classic drum machines with advanced digital sound design. Modor builds the DR-2 around dedicated synthesis models that generate drum voices without sampling, allowing the unit to recreate familiar analogue-style kicks, snares or toms while offering far deeper control than historic hardware. The machine provides up to twelve synthesis parameters per model, covering pitch shaping, envelope curves, amplitude behaviour and four model-specific controls that define its sonic identity. Modor continues to update the DR-2 with new algorithms and sequencing functions in its free firmware releases, which expands the instrument’s sound palette and programming capabilities over time.

Digital Drum Models and Sound Shaping

The DR-2 gives full freedom when selecting six models for a drumset, each functioning as a compact digital synthesiser. The bass drum algorithms range from driven, noise-based, square-wave, string-excited and rumbling variants, while the snare models cover basic, marching, analogue and electro behaviour. Cymbal synthesis includes hi-hats, rides, crashes and filtered versions, with claps, toms, tenor drum, rimshot, rattle, cowbell and glass bottle adding further variety. Modor also includes four bassline synths using saw, square, sine and FM architecture. Every model uses parameters X, Y, Z and T to offer model-specific performance such as filter resonance, noise mix, drive behaviour, harmonic shaping or retrigger detail, which gives sound designers full control over timbre.

Per-Channel Processing

Each of the six channels provides its own distortion, parametric equaliser, tilt filter and compressor, enabling precise sculpting of each drum voice before it enters the mix. The distortion behaves like soft diode saturation that increases harmonic content. The parametric EQ gives control over centre frequency, gain and Q, while the tilt EQ applies a global spectral slope. The compressor uses a hard-knee 8:1 ratio with sidechain functionality and adjustable threshold and attack, which allows sharp transient control or tightened rhythmic interplay. Because every channel processes its audio independently, the DR-2 behaves like a compact studio for drum synthesis.

Connectivity and Insert Routing

The DR-2 provides six individual outputs that function as insert points, letting the user route any channel out to external processing and return it to the mix without losing stereo placement. The master outputs operate in stereo, with the ability to drive headphones directly. Clock I/O operates at 24 and 48 PPQN, and MIDI In, Out and Thru offer full integration into hardware systems. The unit sends and receives MIDI CCs for all continuous parameters, supports pattern and drumset changes via Program Change, and allows SysEx data dumps and firmware updates.

128-Step Sequencer

The sequencer supports 32nd-note resolution and expands the traditional 16-step layout into four pages of thirty-two steps for a total of 128. Pattern length adjusts freely, and Swing and Swing32 independently shift the timing of 16th and 32nd notes. Each instrument has its own Accent, Flam, Tuplet, Break and Reverse tracks. Flams create fast double-strike articulations; tuplets generate repeated hits with controllable number, speed and velocity behaviour; Break silences the voice instantly; Reverse flips the envelope for backwards-shaped dynamics. The DR-2 also features two polyclocks that stretch a rhythm by assigning M steps over the time normally taken by N, enabling true polyrhythmic structures.

Performance Variation Tools

The α and β variations let the user create two versions of a drum sound with a single parameter difference and give them independent sequencer lines. Velocity sensitivity can influence both amplitude and one additional synthesis parameter, allowing expressive timbral changes. Randomness assigns per-voice variation to a selected parameter and refreshes it on each hit. Parameter locks assign alternate parameter values per step, which transforms the sequencer into a detailed modulation system.

Control Surface and Workflow

The front panel uses six volume sliders, dedicated A–F channel selectors and eleven rotary controls that operate on the active drum. Six global knobs provide direct access to a chosen parameter for all instruments simultaneously. A 16x2 backlit LCD presents all relevant information. The machine measures 6U high with rack ears included, and Modor recesses the rear connections for efficient rack mounting.

Why Choose the Modor DR-2

• It creates original drum sounds instead of relying on samples, ideal for electronic musicians who want a unique sonic identity
  
• It provides deep synthesis without sacrificing immediacy, letting users achieve convincing analogue-style hits or experimental percussion quickly
  
• Its sequencer encourages complex rhythmic expression, from tuplets to polyrhythms, without technical barriers
  
• It integrates easily into professional setups thanks to insert points, MIDI control and extensive programmability
  
• It continues to evolve through free firmware updates that extend its capabilities and longevity

• Six-instrument digital DSP drum synthesiser with no sampling
• Dedicated synthesis models for bass drums, snares, cymbals, claps, toms, percussion and bassline synths
• Up to twelve synthesis parameters per model including pitch, envelopes, panning and model-specific X, Y, Z and T controls
• Per-channel distortion, parametric EQ, tilt filter and compressor with sidechain
• Six individual outputs functioning as TRS insert points plus stereo master outputs
• 128-step sequencer with 32nd-note resolution, independent instrument tracks and adjustable pattern length
• Accent, Flam, Tuplet, Break and Reverse tracks per instrument
• Two M:N polyclocks for polyrhythmic timing
• Swing and Swing32 timing control
• α/β sound variations for dual versions of an instrument
• Velocity sensitivity assignable to amplitude and one additional parameter
• Random parameter variation per hit
• Parameter locks for per-step modulation
• MIDI In, Out and Thru with CC control for all continuous parameters and Program Change support
• SysEx backup, restore and firmware updates
• Six volume sliders, eighteen rotary knobs, forty-six buttons and one encoder
• 6U rack-mountable chassis with recessed rear connections

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.